Postcards from India

Kinnaur (Baspa Valley): Sangla, Batseri, Rakcham, Chitkul

From Kalpa our next destination was Batseri in what is commonly known as the Sangla Valley area along the banks of Baspa River. Sangla is an overcrowded place with ugly constructions. Hence, we decided to stay at Batseri, which is a few Kms ahead of proper Sangla town. Before arriving at Batseri we visited the famous tower-fort at Kamru, an ancient architectural marvel built in Himachal's traditional Kath-Kuni architectural style. In Batseri we went for a walk in the village, which has preserved much of its old world charm and architecture, and spent time beside Baspa River.
Rakcham (pronounced as: रक्षम) is easily the prettiest place in the region. Here, too, we went exploring the village and spent hours on the banks of Baspa River. During the months of August-September, thanks to the flowering, the place gets draped in sheets of various colours. It is a sight for which we will have to, someday, visit again.
Chitkul (pronounced as: छितकुल) is located close to the Indo-China border and is said to be the last inhabited village in this part of the Himalaya (an ITBP officer we met there confirmed this claim). A walk, along the banks of Baspa River, to the ITBP camp at Nagasthi (beyond which civilians aren't permitted to go) is a must for the breathtaking vistas it affords.
Apart from these places, one can spend time enjoying the sight of numerous apple and plum orchards, go for hikes to glacier points (we couldn't because of bad weather) and explore many hamlets which still have houses built of wood and stones in the Kath-kuni style.
Throughout our three day stay, we got clear blue skies for a total of only a few hours - it was either raining or snowing. But it was lot of fun and made for wonderful memories. For some spots, we got three sets of pictures - one with clear blue sky, another with rain / mist and then with snow. Could one ask for more?
Lastly, whenever you visit Sangla Valley, don't forget to have Paranthas at Pappu da Dhaba in Taapri town - those were the best I've ever had.
All the images in this gallery were taken during 10th - 13th April, 2018.

It's close to sunset as we head back towards Chitkul. Baspa River. Chitkul (pronounced as: छितकुल) is located close to the Indo-China border and is said to be the last inhabited village in this part of the Himalayas (an ITBP officer we met there confirmed this claim).